 In modern times, in particular of the last 20 years, church music has changed significantly, moving towards a far more contemporary style. Implementation of new ideas such as the inclusion of worship bands at services has changed to musical feel of many church going experiences.
This music takes very many forms and general goes under the banner of "inspirational music" it also has less formal names such as ‘”Jesus music”. Much of this music got its inspiration from, and originated in America, starting with the highly influential southern black gospel music. From there, slowly but surely, all kinds of musical traditions have crept into the religious music arena.
Christian folk and country music, stayed reasonably close to more traditional church music values, for example, originally only using acoustic instruments, slowly these new forms of contemporary Christian music shifted towards secular electronic musical styles. Europe caught on to this American phenomena very slowly, resisting a full on move into a crossover of gospel and modern music styles into religious services.
The first of well-known British artist to perform Christian pop music was 50s and 60s heartthrob Cliff Richard. His well established status as a contemporary pop star and national icon, helped to propel modern contemporary Christian music performance into the limelight, not only in the UK, but all over Europe.
The latest trends in modern church music are not even usually found in churches, contemporary Christian music has moved to concert halls and on TV screens. Young Christian music stars encapsulate the whole secular music scene. Offering their own versions of, pop, rock, Hip Hop, punk, Garage, Rap and every other conceivable popular modern musical style.
Christian music is now a mainstream, a big selling section of the music industry, with large-scale concert tours and regular pop music style promotion, such as slick videos and TV appearances.
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